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Forty political prisoners released in exchange for the kidnapped West German Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro, Dr.

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Forty political prisoners released in exchange for the kidnapped West German Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Ehrenfried Von Holleben, flew from Brazil to exile in Algeria on Monday (15 June).

While West German officials in Rio waited anxiously for the release of the Ambassador the released Brazilians told reporters in Algiers of torture sessions they said they had suffered while in prison. Most of the refugees, who were accompanied by four children, were in their twenties or early thirties. A 22-year-old girl said that she had been crippled following beating and torture during three months she spent in jail.

Other refugees showed scars on their arms and chests which, they said, were left by electric shocks administered while they were hung up head downwards.

A spokesman for the prisoners said they had come to Algiers to learn from the Algerian revolutionary struggle and gain strength to continue the fight in their own country.

Following the release of the prisoners a message from the kidnappers broadcast on Tuesday (16 June) said the diplomat would be released in Rio.

A note from the Ambassador suggested that the release might take place on Wednesday (17 June).